Shohei Ohtani joins Los Angeles Dodgers in record-breaking 10-year deal worth $700m
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Published 10/12/2023 at 13:55 GMT
The Los Angeles Dodgers have smashed the current contract record to sign Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, who has signed a 10-year deal worth $700 million. The 29-year-old left the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent and after much speculation, finally announced his next move. “The six years I spent with the Angels will be etched in my heart forever,” he wrote in a post on social media.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels walks back to the dugout after striking out swinging against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the ninth inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 03, 2023 in Oakland, Cal
Image credit: Eurosport
Shohei Ohtani has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in a record-shattering $700 million deal.
The Japan star left the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent after six years and has signed a 10-year contract with the Dodgers.
Widely regarded as one of the best players in the sport’s history, Ohtani finally decided his next move after weeks of speculation surrounding his future.
Following his departure, Ohtani took to social media to announce the news and reflect on his time with the Angels.
“I apologise for taking so long to come to a decision, I have decided to choose the Dodgers as my next team,” he wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“To the Angels fans who supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys’ support and cheer meant the world to me,” he added. “The six years I spent with the Angels will be etched in my heart forever.”
Addressing his future, he wrote: “I pledge to do what’s best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself.
“Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world.”
The 29-year-old also said that “some things cannot be conveyed in writing” and that he would like to speak more about the move at a press conference.
The previous record for a deal stood at $426.5 million when Mike Trout signed a 12-year deal with the Angels in 2019.
Ohtani’s decision to leave the Angels sparked one of the most expensive bidding wars in the sport’s history, with the Toronto Blue Jays reportedly considered a potential destination.
The Japanese player’s contract value is understood to be in a similar bracket to some of sport’s biggest superstars, including Lionel Messi, who plays football for Inter Miami in the MLS, and NBA’s LeBron James.
He was named 2018 AL Rookie of the Year and is a two-time MVP in the American League, claiming the accolade in 2021 and most recently in 2023.
Ohtani is a unique player as he is strong in both batting and pitching, with players usually specialising in one category.
He played an integral role in Japan’s historic victory over the Americans in the final of the World Baseball Classic championship earlier this year - their first win over the US.
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